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Options for the $300-million duplication of the Cairns Western Arterial Road have been released for public comment, with construction scheduled to begin late next year.
The project, aimed at easing traffic congestion between Redlynch and Smithfield, will be undertaken in two stages.
The first stage covers the northern end between the Captain Cook Highway and Lake Placid Road, while the second takes in the section from Lake Placid Road to Redlynch Connector Road.
As part of the work, new bridges will be built over the Barron River Bridge at Kamerunga and the railway overpass at Redlynch.
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Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch, who secured $240m in this year’s federal budget toward the project, said community feedback on two options for each stage will inform the final preferred design.
“I want to congratulate the Department of Transport and Main Roads for the work they have done to-date in getting this important project to shovel-ready status,” Mr Entsch said.
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“But more importantly, this project will support an estimated 370 direct jobs during construction and once completed, improve road safety and efficiency for the 22,000 motorists that use the road daily.”
A business case for the project is scheduled to be completed by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads in October.
It’s all part of the Cairns Ring Road, which also includes upgrades to the Captain Cook Highway.
The $359-million highway project is scheduled to begin in September and will also be staged.
Go here to view the design options for the Cairns Western Arterial Road duplication and have your say.
Main points
- Work on stage one of the Cairns Western Arterial Road duplication will begin in 2022
- Design options are now open to public comment
- The Captain Cook Highway is also being upgraded as part of the umbrella Cairns Ring Road project
